Michael P. O'Neal family support fund

We are all devastated at the untimely and violent death of our dear Michael--or Mike, Mikey, or O'Neal.

Updated April 14, 2024:

Michael was shot and killed on March 20, 2024 by off-duty Summerville, SC police officer Anthony DeLustro. After a thorough investigation including eyewitness testimony, at least three videos, and a statement from DeLustro himself, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has arrested DeLustro and charged him with murder.

Michael's father was an officer with Winston-Salem, NC police for 30 years, and performed background checks for them after retirement. Michael’s grandfather was a chief of police in Burlington, NC. This is a family that has a great deal of respect for law enforcement in general, yet is fully aware that no profession is free of bad actors. 

We appreciate the bystanders who put themselves in danger by trying to de-escalate the altercation or by capturing the events on video. We appreciate the efforts of SLED and the Solicitor's office in ensuring a thorough investigation was performed.

The purpose of this fund raiser is to support Michael's family with expenses related to this tragedy--including, but not limited to, funeral/memorial, meals, travel to court proceedings, and potentially legal expenses. We don’t know how much they will need: this is uncharted territory for us.

Small donations are every bit as appreciated as larger ones.

Please love one another, gather together and celebrate Michael, and try to be as positive as you can be. And make sure to tell an inappropriate joke or two while rooting for the Tar Heels!

Regarding “tipping” GoFundMe: Do not feel the need to do so unless you’d like that money to go directly to GFM to support their platform. They take 3% no matter what, so additional "tips" are not needed.

This campaign is being organized by Amy Nail, Michael's first cousin. His mom and my mom are sisters. I will be working with Michael's brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Josie O'Neal, to manage this campaign. Michael's parents will be the beneficiaries.